Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, characters, places, etc. All rights belong to Square and their respected owners.

If the Gods Only Knew

 Chapter 17

"What I mean to say is would you care to have a drink?" Blue eyes pleaded with an impassive expression.

Lucrecia studied Vincent's earnest gaze. He was indeed the irreproachable type of male that would ask something so petty of her. "Are you asking me out on a date, Mister Valentine?"

"No! I was just wondering if you would like to have some coffee, since I owe you an apology."

"Apology? Ha!" Lucrecia laughed. "What are you so guilt-ridden sorry for?"

"For my unexpected visit in the lab last night. I know I embarrassed you when I came in."

"Embarrassed? Mister Valentine-"

"It's Vincent."

"-Vincent, you did not embarrass me. However, the humiliation points toward you!"

"How so?" Vincent gave a rare puzzling look.

Lucrecia rolled her eyes. Could this man be so dense? "Never mind. I have a lot of work to do, but since you're here, and I know you won't leave me alone-I'll…go with you."

Vincent inwardly screamed with appeasement. The old girl gave in to him at least once. Perhaps, very soon… No time to ponder on that right now. "Thank-you, Miss Vanderbilt."

"Oh, one thing." Lucrecia smirked at Vincent's confusion; he was so cute when looking dense! "Since we're on a first name basis, call me Lucrecia. I hate being called like some petty teacher."

Vincent smiled and bowed his head. "As you wish, Lucrecia." 

****

Vincent tried to slick back an unruly strand of hair. The dark lock would not obey him. Stubborn hair. Sighing inwardly, he gave up the fight with his mane and looked himself over once more. What woman could not resist his sense of masculinity?

An impassive smirk settled upon his ashen lips. He had never been so smitten over a woman before. It was like touching the heavens, yet falling to a torturous hell below. He could not explain this feeling. He reasoned it was mere attraction, but it wasn't. Vincent had given himself a migraine trying to figure the true reason to these so-called feelings. 

Good God, he was only twenty-seven! Falling in love was for those hopeless romantics that read smut novels! He would not take up a leg shackle with some damned woman. Correction, a mighty fine damned woman! Marriage was a last resort from exposing a scandal or knocking a girl up. Would it not be simple to just have a companion by your side? The exultant thought of making love did not have to be consummated by a marriage contract.

Since the dawn of time, men and women had had the vast enjoyment of fornication. Why would the rules be different now? Vincent shook his dark mane slightly. He was getting ahead of himself. They had not even gone on their first date yet.

 However, as time drew on perhaps the fiery scientist would consider living with him. Expunge matrimony.      

Vincent glanced at his watch once more before he shut the bathroom door with confidence. He could not understand why his hands were so god awful clammy. It was not like he was going to commit some kind of sin. Well, maybe frolicking around the bed a bit, but still. It was nobody's damned business, right? And yet, he still could not shake off that irking sensation or betrayal.  

Oh well, he would have to think on it later. Right now, he could care less what his supposed conscience was telling him. When was it right anyway? Wait? Good God, was he actually confiding in something that did not even exist? Oh Atúm, help him. Insanity seemed to be knocking at his door.

With a sigh, he gently rapped upon a white apartment door. No one seemed to answer. He tried a second time. Nothing. Vincent shook his mop of ebon in frustration. He was at the right address. Why was she not answering?

He impatiently stood at her door for another moment before realizing her lights were off. Could something be wrong?

Panic seemed to seize control of his mind. Good God, what if she was hurt or even worse… Vincent could not think of that now. He had to get in and see if she was all right. She would probably hate him for busting down he her door like this but he had no key.

The dark Turk exhaled and then bolted against the door. With his lightweight applying the door, it surprisingly faltered and allowed his access. Vincent gave a second's congratulations before his eyes widened with shock.

"What in the hell have you done to my door?"

"Lu…Lucrecia, I did not know-" Vincent stuttered and turned his face to the broken door. Seeing a very attractive woman in a skimpy white bathrobe did not help matters.

Lucrecia snorted. "I cannot believe you broke my door down! Why?"

"I…I thought you were in trouble." It was feasible, but a believable excuse.

Lucrecia eyed him wryly. This man was indeed pitiful. Oh well, he would at least pay for another door. "Trouble? And why would you believe that I was in trouble, Vincent?"

"Your lights were off and I figured something might be wrong."

"Well for your information, I keep my lights off usually. A lot of light bothers my eyes because they're very sensitive to it. Not that it's any of your concern. But, I must say, that gallant entrance truly made my night!"

Vincent dared not look at the expression upon her face. The embarrassment was apparent in his. "I will um, ahem, wait outside and try to fix you're your door."

"Okay, just don't let it fall on you. I would hate to have this date end in taking you to the infirmary!" Lucrecia chuckled as she shut the bathroom door.

The Turk shook his head. She had the cruelest sense of humor and yet, he liked it. Vincent shoved the wicked thoughts of her nude aside, and concentrated upon the door. He pinched the bridge of his nose in acrimony. How could he have been so stupid? Gallant knight? Yeah right! More like Incorrigible klutz. He realized that she must have believed him to be the most idiotic man alive.

He had finally gotten the door back on its hinge track when Lucrecia opened the bathroom door. His vision trailed to her looming form and skimmed her over, a lady in white. Good God, this woman was a regular Aphrodite. Everything about her seemed to ignite a fiery lust within him. He barely sustained himself from clinging to her.

She seemed satisfied with her impression on him. Odin, she wanted to make this man fall to her knees for all of the hell he had put her through. And now, she seemed to be in reach of her cruel goal. She crossed the living room to him and examined the door.

"It seems that it will need to be replaced."

Vincent quickly nodded, as he smelt a rosy sent extract from her. "Yes, I will pay for it myself."

"I should certainly hope so!" She said smugly, a Cheshire smile appeared upon her pink lips.

Vincent felt her hand briefly touch his. He slowly turned to meet her gaze. "Lucrecia?"

"Vincent, let's finish this discussion at dinner. I don't wish to wait another minute."

"As you wish." Vincent curtly nodded and took her hand in his. This eve would definitely be interesting.

****

The entire world seemed to spin off its axis and fall to oblivion, and he couldn't care less. Vincent plopped himself on an emerald sofa with a smug look upon his ashen face. It was the sensation only lovers could have after a moment's touch of pure ecstasy. It was almost a hopeless schoolboy crush with the head cheerleader.

Everything had seemed to go perfectly, except for the door of course. Lucrecia had been enchanting at dinner. The candlelight upon the small wooden table seemed to highlight her perfect oval face with an ethereal light. She was the perfect image of an angel. God, she was more like a sensual goddess.

Vincent gently laid his head against a puffy cushion as the living room clock struck the latest hour. The soft chimes caught his absent attention. Idly, he stared at the hours the tiny black hands marked. Isis, was it already one in the morning? Good God, he never realized their wondrous conversation would last so long.

Speaking of conversation, the woman was a practical chatterbox. He smirked at the thought of finally get her to open-up and smile. She was stunning with her picturesque smile. Vincent was almost tempted to take advantage of those supple lips, but had to control himself in the name of decency.

He had never felt so different before; it was like a breath of fresh air. Could he be falling in love? He shook his head at the thought.

On the other hand, the lovely Miss Vanderbilt was indeed a prize to have. He idly wondered of her performance in bed. There would be time enough for that. He first needed to gain her complete trust and show her what a real lover could do. Christ, he sounded like an infamous rake from a romance novel. Actually, being a so-called rake did not seem so appalling.

There were of course issues to settle. He did not need any of his fellow Turks' ribbing him about their affair. The President did not have to know about it either. What was it their business if he was having sexual relations with a fellow ShinRa employee? It had been done numerous times in the past. Good God, the President had a new doxy every other week. Besides, he was of course, Julian ShinRa's so-called 'favorite'.

It had been deemed he was a perfect assassin, captivator of women, and coveted by the common man. What more could he want in life? Vincent frowned at the thought. He had everything a normal man could possibly desire and yet, still felt a void of emptiness inside.

He shook his dark mane of ebon in frustration, the guilt was returning. He had noticed a slight feel of it when on the date with Lucrecia. But now, it had returned fully.

The little sensation always tended to annoy him when doing something wrong. This so-called conscience was beginning to piss him off. It was not normal to feel this sudden urge of guilt, as if he had betrayed something. He had always blamed it upon his late hours at the company or some criteria of a mission.

Apparently, that was not the true reason. Vincent carelessly shook the concern out of his coddled mind. Why should he care what was right and wrong? He was a Turk, for Odin's sake! He was almost a feared god to the hearts and eyes of many. It was quite ironic to think himself as an immortal being with power.

Oh yes, he had power; the Turks had excessive amounts of it. Like careless deities spreading plagues upon the land for all insignificant mortals to suffer. It was not his worry for what happened to others. His mission was to be carried out fully, not care about the effects of it. That would almost make him seem…weak.

Vincent never pondered upon his so-called humanity. The infamous quote 'Live by the gun, die by the gun,' had always been a motto for him, like a sacred proverb from the Turk bible. He smiled at the irony of it.

The Turks had rules and codes to go by. These sacred laws were never to be broken, even if it meant to forfeit your life. The hallowed codes were never to be tarnished, nor put to shame. Such a blasphemy would be judged harshly and the sentence even more cruel. It was better to die than be punished for insubordination.

The ardent Turk quickly disclosed his morbid musings and headed to the bathroom. He noticed the light-purple half-moons under his oceanic-eyes. This self-guilt had to stop. If this stupid emotion had affected him physically, something had to be done. Eros, he could not look weak in front of his superiors.

Atúm knew, what remarks he would receive. Besides, he needed to ponder upon other things, albeit a gloriously nude scientist beside him in soft linen did entice him. Odin, he needed to stop thinking of the sensuous siren.

Vincent could still smell her intoxicating rose scent on his shirt. He inhaled the floral contents heavily, as he entered the bedroom. He had partially expected her to be there, waiting. Alas, such a depressing realization to find himself alone, again. God, he needed to get a life.

Vincent hesitantly pulled the white linen shirt off and slipped into the silk sheets. It was a poor consolation for what he had desired. He rashly pondered upon the thought of what would make him truly content before he finally fell to sleep with a void of nothing to welcome him.

****          

Randolph eyed the barren white landscape with a tinge of trepidation. This was where the Ancient-girl lived? He gently rebuked the thought of someone actually loving to reside in such a desolate place; it looked like the ends of the Earth to him.

Sighing, he treaded through the knee-length snow until he crossed the wooden city gates. He noticed the quiet bustle of the town. Children playing, fires burning, snow falling. Yes, it seemed like the perfect place for a snowy vacation. It was delightful to say the least.

He quickly set aside his awing thoughts as he searched for the tiny residence. He subconsciously shook the falling snow out of his sable hair as he darted from one cabin to another. It was quite embarrassing to peep-in and see if the occupants were home. He did not doubt people were debating whether he was a robber or a wondering idiot. He decided their thoughts would lead to the latter.

Randolph's thoughts were halted as he felt a gentle hand grasp his shoulder. He reacted too fast as he slipped on a patch of wet snow and fell. The redness of his embarrassment could not be hidden from the lovely young woman standing before him.

He tried to get up before he fell once again. Randolph could feel the blood reach his ears as he heard a docent laugh from the girl.

Her emerald-eyes stared curiously into his. "I think it would be best if I helped you up, you seem to slip more than walk!"

Randolph hesitantly accepted her bare hand as she helped him up. She laughed at him once more as a curious looked reached his face. "What?"

"Nothing! It may be rude of me to laugh, but I believe that you have accidentally ruined your spectacles." She held them before his tanned face.

"Oh Christ!" He cursed. "That's the second pair this month!"

"You fall of your glasses often?"

Randolph shook his head. "No! It's just well…I'm sort of clumsy and well, as you can see, my glasses…"

"Take the damage? I suppose it's better than hurting your self. I don't believe you're from around here?"

"No! No! I'm actually here to interview a young lady claiming to be an Ancient. I cannot seem to find her residence."

"And you believe peeping in other people's houses will help locate her?" An inquisitive grin settled upon her china face.

"Well…uh, you see, I…I'm sort of shy and I don't wish to bother anyone with my questions. God, this is embarrassing!"

"Not at all! Come inside my place and warm up! I will help you find this so-called Ancient and answer any questions you may have."

Randolph noticed her leave without his consent. He had to admire the kind lady as he watched the sway of her russet-coloured hair in the wind. He subconsciously followed her into a small cabin wondering whether or not he could ever find the supposed Ancient.

"Your coat?"

Randolph stared at her for a moment before reluctantly relinquishing the heavy gray parka. He eyed the surroundings of the residence, simple, but comfortable none-the-less. His hostess must have lived here alone since everything seemed to take upon a solitary tone.

He noticed her carrying two mugs to a set of gray sofas. She gently nodded for him to take a seat and relieve her of a mug. Randolph hesitantly took a heavy black cup from her as she sat down beside him. He eyed her apparent shyness. The girl was actually modest.

Randolph leaned forward as he stared into the active fireplace; the orange flickers seemed to ease his stress. He did not notice his hostess eyeing him with an inquisitive look. Apparently, he could not find a way to start conversation.

She faintly smiled at his hesitation. "I think it would be best if we got to introductions. It's kind of hard to speak to someone without knowing their name."

"Oh, of course, how silly of me! I am Randolph Gast, head professor of the ShinRa Science Department. And who may I ask are you?"

"Iflana…"

She watched in appeased amusement as her guest tried to come up with a sudden reply. She knew this man was looking for her. It wasn't hard not to notice a man of his caliber as an outsider. Besides, his devilish features sort of gave away the foreign outlook.

"I must be inconceivably stupid for acting the way I have. I beg many pardons for my gauche behavior, Madame Iflana."

Iflana shook her head. "Not at all. Actually, I found your behavior quite amusing!" She chuckled slightly. "I understand you had wished to seek an audience with me over the history of the Planet?"

"Uh…yes! That is correct!" Randolph pleaded the excess folds of his navy sweater. "I would like to understand what your race considered for so many years as fact."

"Can I ask you a favor?"

"Anything."

Iflana took another sip of her coffee. "Please don't start with the scientific terms. I have a little trouble understanding what you mean. Let's keep this understandable, all right?"

Randolph laughed. "Of course! I'm terribly sorry for my proper edict. I have a little trouble talking simple with my fellow colleagues. It will be quite a relief not to for once!" He watched her smile and continued. "I thought the Ancients were extinct."

"Certa, they're called Cetra. I first off wish to say, that not many are around anymore. Over the years, our kind have either died out or moved to other planets. Now I know, you may find that poppycock, but it is true."

Randolph stared at her with dark-eyes. He somehow realized this young lady was not another person to be predictable; she actually seemed truthful. Smiling, he pulled out a pad of paper and pen. "Please continue, miss."

Iflana nodded. "Let's see, where was I? Oh yes, the Cetra were here many millennia ago. They helped cultivate and stabilize the Planet. For this, the Planet ensured a 'Promised Land' for their hard works. In death, they could enjoy this place for eternity." She hesitated a moment and cast her eyes to the floor. "The years passed and the Planet with the Cetra that decided to remain here were content. They lived with other species, also known as humans. At one time, the Cetra and humanity were at peace and even married one another. That was until the Crises of the Skies occurred…"

Randolph blinked as her voice went into a sudden whisper. He noticed her gaunt expression as she kept her gaze to the wooden floor. Calmly, he placed a firm hand on a slumped shoulder. "This 'Crises' fell from the skies and hit this continent, correct?"

Iflana gazed at him with placid eyes. Her emerald orbs looked as if tears would fall from them if slightly disrupted. Inhaling, she quickly wiped them away. "Yes, it happened long before we were here. Many Cetra ventured to see what caused the Planet so much pain. I understand that it may be hard for you to grasp that the Cetra can speak with the Planet, but it is possible. Anyway, very few returned from the crater. Those who returned could barely speak of it afterwards. It was later understood that a being not of this world came here to destroy all life."

"So, you mean to say this 'being' was an enemy to the Planet and its inhabitants?"

"Yes. She was deemed as, 'The Black One'. My people and the cost of many lives sustained her. The Planet is still in pain over her devious existence. It is said that one day the 'Silver One' will awaken her and seek the Promised Land. I fear, that these so-called fairytales may be true."

She glanced at him with curious eyes. "I suppose you find my beliefs somewhat overrated, Professor Gast?"      

"Not at all. I find your account quite interesting. I believe you may be right on some things." He hesitated. "I know it is illegal for me to speak of this, but a crew here found something. He watched her eyes widen in true terror. "Promise you will not say anything, Iflana."

"I promise, sir." She whispered as she watched him stare at the floor.

"A few weeks ago, a team went to the crater to see if Mako produced there. The shale floor collapsed and a few scientists noticed a frozen figure lay within a block of ice. I have no idea what it looks like for certain, but I am told it is definitely female and not human. They have not done any further analysis until I arrive tomorrow evening."

"Professor-"

"Please call me, Randolph. It irks me that people I talk to call me formally."

"All right, Randolph. If it is what I have said, please don't break it of its prison. I fear it may still posses power over individuals it comes in contact with."

"I cannot promise anything, Iflana. I do assure you, that I will not allow a throng of ShinRa workers bothering your town. It will be quite problematic if this town was constantly vacated with eggheads and SOLDIERS!" He chuckled.

"Thank-you, for your wonderful reassurance, Randolph!" She countered sarcastically.

"I thank-you for your time to explain the Cetran ways." He said getting up. "I must leave for now, but I was wondering if you would not mind if I came for another chat. I mean…we do not have to discuss mythology or science if you wish. I get rather tired of after a while."

Iflana smirked. "I'm sure you do! I would be honored if you stopped by and had a nice chat with such a boring person like myself!"

Randolph shook his mop of ebon. "I assure you, lady, your conversations are not boring!"

Iflana nodded as she handed him the damp parka. "I'll take that as a complement, Randolph. I will be looking forward to our next meeting. That is, if we have one!"

Randolph stood in the threshold of the door. "Count on it, Iflana. A scientist may break promises, but I don't!"

"All right, I'll believe you! Please come again if you have questions!"

He merely nodded as he closed the door behind him, not knowing the lady behind it almost collapsed from an elated heart attack.

****         

The desolate slopes of the Northern Continent held a somewhat enigmatic prestige to its surroundings. Dense hills were covered with pristine-white snow. From the distance, the small mounds seemed to appear as little humps on the landscape. The gray sky created a dark silhouette over their tiny forms, as if hiding something dark and more sinister.

The landscape itself, held an aura of something ominous. The present feeling of interminable desolation seemed to hold dominance over this silent earth. Dead howls of the chilling wind fiercely struck all that dared trespass this hellish land, as if it were Cerebus guarding the gates of the ascetic Underworld.

It was sheer insanity to brave this distressing torture. This place seemed to be the fine line between man and God. The famed residence of the gods usually resided where mere mortals would not dare to venture. It created a feeling of supremacy to the species that thought themselves highly. The unfaltering knowledge of reality seemed almost ironic. Believing in something that only existed in fairy stories were indeed something to laugh at.

Such silly nonsense seemed to fain a sense of regret in the average mortal mind. The reluctance to accept such myths that so many had depended upon millennia prior seemed a little naïve. It was certainly obtuse for a man of science to confide in. That which was tangible and seeable to the naked eye, existed. Placing blind faith in something that had no evidence or ever being in existence seemed a little too far-fetched.

Until now, that is. What could this so-called creature be to man? Was it possibly the missing link between man and all questions that had gone unanswered for centuries? Or, was it merely some hoax someone had placed? The latter seemed a little too much to digest. However, this discovery seemed to promise the apt concept of a species that had existed before humanity. Indeed, this so-called 'Blue Angel' would be the key and unlock all of the Planet's secrets that it had intentionally kept hidden from the race of man.

Randolph squinted his sore eyes as he gazed upon the tiny makeshift camp. A few people moved about the tiny tents, preparing for what seemed to be his arrival. It was somewhat comforting to finally view this discovery he had yearned to see.

He made his way down the crater's slope, seeing what seemed to be a couple of people speaking of the life form. Two men eyed him warily as he imposed on their conversation.

"Professor Gast, it is quite wonderful you came before you were expected." The man on the right greeted.

 Randolph eyed his addressor; the golden-eyes behind the emaciated man's glasses seemed to hold certain alacrity within his mundane tone. "Likewise. Well, since you gentlemen know me, I would appreciate that I know your names."

"I am Porfessor Ian Hojo, from Mideel." The feral-eyed man spoke once more.

Randolph nodded as he glanced at the other supposed scientists. "I am Professor Cassius, also from Mideel."          

Professor Cassius and Hojo seemed to have an indistinguishable resemblance of each other. Perhaps, distant relatives or the common knowledge that a majority of Mideelians had dark features. There were differences however, instead of the amber-coloured-eyes Hojo owned, Cassius had a dirty-blue hue.

Dispersing his thoughts, Randolph faintly smiled as impatience coursed heavily through his body. "Well, I am quite ready to see this 'Blue Angel'."

Ian nodded as he turned. "Follow me, professor. It is indeed time to see my discovery."

Randolph refrained from saying anything to Hojo. It unnerved him that such a man could take the credit and proclaim it his own discovery.  

He aimlessly followed the wry scientist's lead into a shield-like tent. Randolph eyed the sturdy white linen that was held down by various metal stakes. His attention was derived from the normal scene to the immense cold glow of a tank.

Like a curious child, he cautiously glared at the form within the glass vessel. The languid-blue body seemed to be suspended within the preserving liquid. Metal tubes punctured the creature's slick skin in order to run the Mako-liquid into her system.

Randolph noticed her lifeless form, except for the eye. One pinkish glowing orb seemed to glare at him with a sense of insipid disdain. This creature, though immobile, was indeed alive.

"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Ian marveled from behind.

"I have never seen such a creature before. Do you have a report on her, yet?"

"I planned to allow you the honor of doing that. It seems a man of your prestige should be the one who has the pleasure of unraveling such a discovery."

Randolph subtly noted Ian's crude remark. This man was indeed arrogant. "I shall do a run-up on her, first thing in the morning."

"Why not now?"

"I have had a long day, professor. She does not seem to be unstable and it is quite redundant that we start this late. The research can wait until morning."

"Indeed, professor." Hojo said in a mundane tone. "I will be ready to view your work come dawn. Your tent is already set up for you. Goodnight, professor."

"Goodnight," He murmured as Hojo made his leave.

Randolph turned back to the poised life form. An akin sense of discern teetered throughout his confused mind. This creature seemed to hold a feeling of trepidation within him. Never had he seen such a hideous, yet unique being before.

Whatever it was, it certainly captivated his colleagues' attention. The ShinRa would hire anyone with a degree in the field of their occupation, even reckless scientists. Either way, this 'Ice Queen' would indeed be a tool for the godlike company to use. Whether it being to help its citizens or for their own benefit, this entity would be used, even if the world ended because of it…

****

Author's Note: I'm terribly sorry this chapter is so short. I could not figure how to continue since I would be adding a new scene. Also, I'm sorry this has taken me so long to post. Writer's block and school can indeed cause trouble. God help me, I WILL finish this! Anyhoo, please tell me what you think. ^_^